Board

Jana joined the PNZ Board in October 2015 and since May 2021 has been Chair. Currently CEO of the Radio Broadcasters Association, Jana brings over 30 years’ experience in broadcasting and media both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom to PNZ, across all organisational areas including broadcasting, news, marketing and senior management. During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Jana connected with PNZ to try and assist with ways of increasing broadcast coverage of the Paralympic Games and has played an internal advisory role as PNZ continues developing its relationship with TVNZ at Attitude. As well as her broadcast and media experience Jana has worked in competitive commercial settings and run organisations with complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Maria joined the Board following her election in May 2023. Maria is an experienced sports lawyer advising sports organisations and athletes nationally and internationally. She has acted for a wide range of sports and other not for profit bodies including previously advising organisations in the paralympic movement. As well as her legal background, Maria brings particular expertise in sports integrity, governance and human rights. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and having successfully established and managed New Zealand’s first ever sports law practice for many years, she brings sound business judgment as a business owner and advisor to her clients. Maria has been on many Boards and committees in sport in New Zealand and internationally including World Athletics, International Paralympic Committee, World Sailing, World Anti-Doping Agency, the IOC, the Association of National Olympic Committees and the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport. She is currently a member of both the UCI (international cycling) Integrity Commission and the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s Integrity Committee. Maria is passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, enjoy and excel in sport and physical activity. She has two adult sons who play lots of cricket and a husband who loves cycling.

Having a strong financial background covering a wide range of sectors including not-for-profit, commercial and investment, Sian brings a valuable skill set to the PNZ Board. Sian joined the PNZ Board in early 2021, however has been immersed in Para sport for a number of years. Sian is a member of the Parafed Network Leadership Group which aims to connect and grow the presence of Parafeds in New Zealand. She is also the Board Chair of Parafed Canterbury Inc. Sian is currently a Director of T & S Ruth Limited trading as S Ruth Consulting, a role which she has held since 2017. Prior to that, Sian’s career has included roles, both locally and overseas with a Large CA firm, a partner in an engineering business, and as an Authorised Financial Advisor in an Investment Advisory Firm. Outside of work, Sian dedicates a lot of time to volunteering and using her skill set to support and help grow a number of organisations.

Pam (Ngāruahine) has led significant not-for-profits such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Diabetes Auckland, as well as holding sports organisation board positions. In 2022 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey and women for over 20 years. Elgar was a foundation member of Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA), supporting women and girls to build careers in sport and recreation in New Zealand. She has chaired the Wahine Toa Kei Te Kokiri committee which supports WISPA’s bicultural journey.

Graeme has over 25 years’ experience in sport internationally. He has built a reputation for building world-leading programmes and strategy with Queensland Swimming, British Triathlon, New Zealand Triathlon, PNZ and Swimming NZ. After completing Bachelors and Doctoral degrees at Loughborough and Wollongong Universities respectively, Graeme started as an innovative performance scientist, moving to performance leadership and more recently project management and governance.

Blair is the CEO of a philanthropic trust where he manages large-scale investments and generates revenue for an annual grant distribution of several million. He has significant experience in government and non-government organisations, working closely with government ministers, iwi and community leaders. Blair has been the CEO of a large not-for-profit organisation and previously worked as National Manager at the New Zealand Blind Foundation. He has served as Chair of Blind Sport NZ and is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, bringing with him a sound understanding of governance and finance.

An architectural designer, and dedicated advocate for Para sport, Carl represented New Zealand in Para snowboarding at the Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 Winter Paralympic Games. On top of his games experience Carl also earned over 25 World Cup medals throughout his career. Carl has coached internationally, supporting athlete development as an assistant coach for the Japan Para Snowboard Team.

Beyond competition, Carl has actively contributed to Paralympics New Zealand and Snow Sports NZ through leadership and governance roles. He currently serves as Chairperson of the PNZ Athletes’ Council, and sits on both the PNZ Awards and Honours Committee and the Snow Sports NZ Safeguarding Working Group. In 2025, he was appointed as the athlete representative to the IPC Anti-Doping Taskforce for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.

Carl’s professional background in architectural design, where he leads his own firm, complements his governance experience with strategic, operational, and financial expertise. He is passionate about empowering Para athletes and advancing PNZ’s mission to transform lives through sport.

Adam is a hugely experienced Para alpine skier boasting more than 20 years of success on the global stage. The Kiwi has represented the NZ Paralympic Team at a record breaking six Paralympic Winter Games, snaring a record-equalling six Paralympic Winter Games medals, including gold medals at Vancouver 2010 and Pyeongchang 2018. Known for his resilience, leadership and pursuit of excellence, he has also played an active role off the slopes for Para athlete advocacy and governance. Adam is a current member of the PNZ Athletes’ Council, and the FIS (International Ski & Snowboard Federation) Athlete Commission, and FIS Council. He has joined the PNZ Board following his successful election to International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, and subsequent appointment to the IPC Governing Board, as the Vice Chair of the IPC Athletes’ Council.